Invisalign vs. Braces: Pros and Cons

• The horrors of wearing standard metal braces and the relief of Invisalign braces
• How Invisalign works and the Invisalign retainer
• Invisalign cost
• More pros and cons

Everyone went to school with someone that was referred to as metal-mouth. Ugly metallic braces that made the wearer talk and look funny. Yes, after the years of torture, the wearer’s teeth were straight and nice. However, the social and psychological effects on an already sensitive pre-teen or teen can be horrendous. It can be just as bad if you are an adult wearing metal braces. People look at you oddly and it’s difficult to be taken seriously in business. In an unprecedented move of compassion as well as monetary, the professional dental community created Invisalign braces: Clear, removable, custom-made braces for your teeth. For every parent that ever had to fight with their child on the topic and for every child that had to wear braces; the Invisalign retainer seems to be the answer to their prayers.

There are quite a few differences between the Invisalign retainer and traditional braces; although both address the major orthodontic problems, Invisalign seems to make the patients a lot happier. Exactly what are the differences between Invisalign vs. braces :

INVISALIGN BRACES PROS

1) The aligners are can be taken off
Invisalign braces can be removed whenever there is something special going on in your life.

2) Each set of aligners is worn for a two week period.
Typically, a treatment lasts for about one year and your teeth will slowly move to produce the look that you want. However, to get these results, you will want to strictly follow the treatment plan given to you by your cosmetic dentist or orthodontist.

3) Invisalign braces have nice, smooth, comfortable edges
Compared to the rough edges of metal wires or brackets of the past. For some patients, those old metal braces irritated cheeks and gums.

4) Cleaning your teeth and gums is a lot easier
Due to the fact that the Invisalign retainer can be removed, you can brush your teeth as you normally would and flossing is a breeze. Metal braces often caused major problems for both. .

5) Patients will receive a computer simulation of the alignment
View the progression from start to finish. Great motivation. It’s both inspirational and educational.

6) The Invisalign retainer first moves the back teeth and ends with the front teeth.
Patients have indicated that this is a lot more comfortable process.

INVISALIGN BRACES CONS

1) Invisalign Cost :
Standard braces can average at around $5,000. Invisalign retainer treatment cost can be anywhere from $3,500 to $8,000. The Invisalign cost could be prohibitive if you are on a tight budget.

2) Six-week delay between impressions:
Each set of impressions will help move the teeth in the proper direction. The delay in delivery is a major problem.

3) Speech problems:
Some patients have reported a lisp or other minor speech problems.

4) Additional Attachments:
Some Invisalign treatment require attachments to various teeth. These are small “bumps” that are glued to the outside of your teeth like braces. They help the aligners rotate teeth. They are invisible and typically don’t really cause any problem.

5) New aligners = new tooth pain
Every two weeks you will need a new set of Invisalign braces. Each new set can produce tooth pain as they are fitted tightly around the teeth. This is sometimes called pressure, but some patients report considerable pain.

6) Initial difficulty in getting aligners on and off
Each set of aligners are tight and snap on. After several days they loosen up. Patients have reported difficulty in the first few aligners getting them in and out properly.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.